Special tools required:

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move engine hood into service position.
Disconnect battery negative lead.
Remove front splash guard.
Remove reinforcement plate.
Remove exhaust system. See EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Remove transfer box. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Remove manual or automatic transmission. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - X5 (A5S 360R/390R) , REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - X5 (6HP26Z) or REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - X5 (S5D 280Z) .
Remove right output shaft. See AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT)
Release left output shaft and place to one side. See AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT)
Drain off coolant and dispose of correctly. See COOLING SYSTEM - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Release A/C compressor and place to one side. See COMPRESSOR .
Remove alternator drive belt. See GENERATOR DRIVE BELT 4.4L (N62) .
Remove intake filter housing with air-mass flow sensor. See INTAKE FILTER & HOSE .
Remove heat exchanger for transmission from radiator.
Remove radiator. See COOLING SYSTEM - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Disconnect engine oil pipes.
Remove windshield washing reservoir.
Remove heater end plate. See HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

Secure starter motor (1) with transmission screw (2) against falling out.

Fig 1: Securing Starter Motor With Transmission Screw

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Disconnect fuel feed line from injection pipe and seal hose ends with special tool 13 5 281 and special tool 13 5 282.

IMPORTANT: Catch and dispose of escaping fuel. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Fuel Feed Line From Injection Pipe And Seal Hose Ends With Special Tool 13 5 281

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Unfasten hose clip (1).

Detach heater return hose (2).

Fig 3: Removing Heater Return Hose

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Unfasten hose clip (1).

Detach vacuum line (2) from vacuum pump.

Unclip vacuum line (2) from bracket (3).

Fig 4: Removing Vacuum Line From Vacuum Pump

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Detach vacuum line (1) from bracket (2) and lay to one side.

Unlock and detach tank venting valve (3).

Fig 5: Removing Vacuum Line From Bracket And Tank Venting Valve

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Disconnect wiring harness section for engine in control unit box and place on engine.

Disconnect positive lead from battery connection point and place one engine.

Pull out wiring harness section for transmission and oxygen sensors and place on engine.

NOTE: To remove and install engine with exhaust manifold, you must remove partition wall (3).

Fig 6: Removing Partition Wall

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.